Football: Waddle's decision to leave Turf Moor

Wednesday 13 May 1998 23:02 BST

Click to followThe Independent Online

CHRIS WADDLE revealed yesterday that it was his decision to terminate his first foray into management at Burnley.

The Second Division club stated on Tuesday that they had parted company with the former England winger "by mutual consent" after he had steered them clear of relegation thanks to a 2-1 win over Plymouth on the last day of the season. But Waddle admitted yesterday that he told the club he was leaving after suffering a "tough time" at Turf Moor since joining last summer.

"It's been a difficult 10 months," said Waddle. "When I look back we went something like 12 games without a win and seven without a goal. People were saying it was a waste of time - for all that I said about it coming good.

"I made my decision and it was just a matter of meeting with the chairman, and for the directors to quickly call a meeting and agree."

The Wrexham manager, Brian Flynn, the assistant at Burnley, Glenn Roeder, the youth team coach, Gordon Cowans, and the former Sheffield United midfielder Jamie Hoyland are all in the frame to succeed Waddle.

Hoyland, currently on the playing staff at Turf Moor, admitted: "It's something I would want to do and if it becomes available then yes I would apply for it."

Burnley had marginally missed out on the play-offs in the previous season but struggled to maintain this form under Waddle this season. The club represented Waddle's first venture into management after a glittering playing career. He took over from Adrian Heath, who moved to Everton as No 2 to Howard Kendall, last July. Waddle, who won 62 England caps, began his professional career at Newcastle and also starred for Tottenham before joining Marseille for a then British record pounds 4.25m.

He won three successive championships with the French club but World Cup glory with England eluded him and his missed penalty in the semi-final shoot-out with Germany confirmed England's exit from Italia 90.

On his return to England Waddle enjoyed success with Sheffield Wednesday and wound up his playing career with spells at Bradford City and Sunderland.

Peter Taylor's England Under-21 side kick-off this year's Toulon tournament against France in Nimes today, before further group games against South Africa in Aubagne on Saturday and the fancied Argentinians in Manosque two days later.